Artist

Felipe de la Espada

born San Germán, Puerto Rico ca. 1754-died San Germán, Puerto Rico 1818
Born
San German, Puerto Rico
Died
San Germán, Puerto Rico
Biography

In the old town of San Germán, located in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico, the production of santos, colorful wooden images of saints that are prayed to in times of public and private devotion, was an important business. This is where Felipe de la Espada and his family lived and worked. Of African ancestry, he was one of the most respected santeros in colonial times. In addition to his great skill as a carver, de la Espada was one of very few in his community who could read—a notable accomplishment for a man of humble beginnings.

Jonathan Yorba Arte Latino: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum (New York and Washington, D.C.: Watson-Guptill Publications, in cooperation with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2001)

Works by this artist (5 items)

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Felipe de la Espada, San Benito Abad, ca. 1770-1818, carved and painted cedar with glass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.36
San Benito Abad
Artist
Dateca. 1770-1818
carved and painted cedar with glass
On view
Felipe de la Espada, Santa Rita de Casia, late 18th-early 19th century, carved and painted wood with glass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.40
Santa Rita de Casia
Artist
Datelate 18th-early 19th century
carved and painted wood with glass
On view
Felipe de la Espada, San Ramon Nonato, late 18th-early 19th century, carved and painted wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.39
San Ramon Nonato
Artist
Datelate 18th-early 19th century
carved and painted wood
On view
Felipe de la Espada, San Juan Nepomuceno, late 18th-early 19th century, carved and painted wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.38
San Juan Nepomuceno
Artist
Datelate 18th-early 19th century
carved and painted wood
On view